About BASE Jumping
BASE jumping is a leap from a low altitude and fixed objects or natural formations, for which jumpers use special equipment designed specifically for BASE jumping.
Building, Antenna, Span, Earth
BASE jumping is a jump made from low altitudes—compared to the minimum 800 meters of skydiving—and from fixed objects or natural formations, during which jumpers use specialized BASE parachutes that are similar to regular parachutes but differ in their opening and packing characteristics.
The name comes from the acronym B.A.S.E., which stands for the four categories of fixed objects from which one can jump: B = Building; A = Antenna; S = Span (bridge); E = Earth (cliff/natural formation).
Building
buildingAntenna
antennaSpan
bridgeEarth
cliff, earthThe Formation of Modern BASE Jumping
We can speak of classic BASE jumping from around the late '60s and early '70s, when a few enthusiastic skydivers began jumping from higher cliffs and buildings instead of the usual aircraft.
The first modern BASE jumps are associated with Carl Boenish, who pioneered jumping with a parachute from the El Capitan cliff in America and several skyscrapers, including the former World Trade Center.
Initially, by making minor modifications to skydiving equipment and developing a special packing method, they were able to safely jump from fixed objects of a few hundred meters or even lower. After many successful and several unsuccessful jumps, the evolution of technology, equipment, and years of experience turned BASE jumping into a real sport.
Worldwide, thousands of people indulge in this unusual extreme sport. Jumpers use equipment specially designed and manufactured for BASE jumping, which significantly reduces the sport's risks.
History of BASE Jumping in Hungary
The history of BASE jumping in Hungary started in the late '90s, and gained new momentum in the early 2000s.
The Beginnings
BASE jumping in Hungary started in 1998, when a few young skydivers took on the famous cliffs of France, but due to a lack of proper experience and several accidents, their momentum waned.
A New Team
In 2000, a new team emerged and took the plunge. Initially, they drew their experience and the minimum knowledge required for survival from the internet, and later learned the basics of the sport from foreign jumpers.
Active Local Jumpers
Today, there are about 15–20 active jumpers in our country who pursue this wonderful, yet highly dangerous sport.
Legal BASE Jumping Events in Hungary
In 2004, Hungary hosted the first legal BASE jumping festival in Europe and competition at the Főtáv Ltd. chimney in Óbuda, Budapest. This proved the sport's legitimacy and its safety within an organized framework.
The event received significant media coverage both locally and worldwide. In 2005, thanks to Antenna Hungária, the Szigetszentmiklós-Lakihegy area witnessed a similar event, where the international BASE jumping elite, together with Hungarian athletes, competed from a unique object: the trapezoid-shaped Lakihegy radio mast.
The event was once again a great success and concluded without any injuries.
An Exceptionally Dangerous Sport Activity
BASE jumping requires serious skydiving experience and specialized equipment. Without these, the risk of severe injury or tragedy multiplies significantly.
Lakihegy BASE Moments
Pictures capturing the atmosphere of the 2005 Lakihegy BASE jumping event.
More Extreme Flying Content
Check out the Team Baseciganyz, Wingsuit, and Wingsuitboogie Hungary pages as well.